Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Unattractive"

To sign "unattractive," start by bringing your dominant hand just in front of the non-dominant side of your face, near your nose. Extend your index finger so it points across your face. Smoothly pull your hand across to the dominant side of your face while bending your index finger into an 'X' handshape. It is crucial to include a scrunched, displeased facial expression to accurately convey the negative meaning of the word.

Examples Using "Unattractive" in a Sentence

1

That old couch is unattractive.

Sign "THAT OLD COUCH" followed by "UNATTRACTIVE." Make sure to use a strong, displeased facial expression during the final sign to emphasize how unappealing you find the furniture.

2

I feel unattractive today.

Establish the timeframe by signing "TODAY," point to yourself for "I," sign "FEEL," and finish with "UNATTRACTIVE." Your facial expression should reflect a feeling of dissatisfaction.

3

The paint color is very unattractive.

Sign "PAINT COLOR" and then sign "UNATTRACTIVE." To emphasize the word "very," you can make the pulling motion of the sign slightly sharper and exaggerate your scrunched facial expression.

How to Sign "Unattractive"
To sign "unattractive," start by bringing your dominant hand just in front of the non-dominant side of your face, near your nose. Extend your index finger so it points across your face. Smoothly pull your hand across to the dominant side of your face while bending your index finger into an 'X' handshape. It is crucial to include a scrunched, displeased facial expression to accurately convey the negative meaning of the word.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "unattractive," which is also commonly used for "ugly," relies heavily on visual motivation. The action of pulling the index finger across the face and bending it into a hooked 'X' shape mimics the idea of a facial feature being distorted, twisted, or contorted. This visual metaphor perfectly captures the concept of something being visually unappealing.
Signing Tips
When practicing this sign, put most of your focus on your facial expression. Because "unattractive" conveys a negative or displeasing concept, your face needs to match that feeling with a scrunched nose or a slight grimace. Additionally, keep the movement localized to the area just in front of your face. You do not need to physically touch your skin, and the motion should be a smooth pull that ends cleanly in the 'X' handshape.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake beginners make is signing "unattractive" with a completely neutral or blank facial expression. Without the scrunched face, the sign feels incomplete and lacks its intended descriptive power. Another frequent error is making the movement too large by swinging the entire arm. Keep the motion contained near your face, relying mostly on your hand and wrist to pull across and form the 'X' shape.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Unattractive" in a Sentence
1

That old couch is unattractive.

Sign "THAT OLD COUCH" followed by "UNATTRACTIVE." Make sure to use a strong, displeased facial expression during the final sign to emphasize how unappealing you find the furniture.

2

I feel unattractive today.

Establish the timeframe by signing "TODAY," point to yourself for "I," sign "FEEL," and finish with "UNATTRACTIVE." Your facial expression should reflect a feeling of dissatisfaction.

3

The paint color is very unattractive.

Sign "PAINT COLOR" and then sign "UNATTRACTIVE." To emphasize the word "very," you can make the pulling motion of the sign slightly sharper and exaggerate your scrunched facial expression.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for "unattractive" the same as "ugly"?

Yes, in ASL, the same sign is typically used for both "unattractive" and "ugly." The intensity of the English translation is usually conveyed by how sharply you make the movement and how exaggerated your facial expression is.

Do I have to physically touch my face when signing this?

No, you do not need to touch your face. Your hand should simply hover just in front of your nose and cheek as you pull it across and form the 'X' handshape.

Can I use both hands for this sign?

While the standard sign uses just your dominant hand, you can use both hands simultaneously (crossing them in front of your face and pulling outward into 'X' shapes) to emphasize that something is exceptionally unattractive or hideous.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!